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Phase 7f Early Mittani
WORK IN PROGRESS”
At the beginniong of the Mittani period, the Plaza levels rise to where they meet the base of the revetment wall of the Temple Terrace. At this point, the escarpment is no longer visible, but the wall and the staircase still are. From then on, the accumulations continue to grow at a faster pace against the face of the wall. The staircase is still visible but slowly it becomes covered by the growing accumulations.
Rows of stone parallel to the revetment wall (J1 and J2) serve as an additional symbolic screen that sets the wall off from immediate direct access.
Back to top: Phase 7 Mittani
Phase 7j Middle Mittani
WORK IN PROGRESS”
As the accumulations cover the revetment wall and the staircase, the perceptual boundary between barrier and ascent (wall and glacis) is reduced and eventually annulled.
The perceptual boundary of vertical vs. oblique is replaced by an ideal hinge that is symbolized by the “memory stones,” rows of stones that match the perimeter of the revetment wall, no longer visible, but remembered as the joint between the two dimensions.
The sacrality of the plaza continues as the accumulations remain wholly untouched by any intrusions of any sort. The depositional sequence is so level and uniform that it almost gives the impression of being the result of an indoor process. It seems plausible to assume that access to the Plaza was in some way controlled and limited.
Back to top: Phase 7 Mittani